Functional, stable families are the cornerstone of society. Ellen was very much aware of not only her alcoholic father but also her dysfunctional, extended family. When judge decides to give Ellen's custody to her grandmother, a metaphor on page 56 best describes dysfunctional family situation. "What do you do when judge talks about the family society's cornerstone but you know yours was never a Roman pillar but is and always has been crumbly old brick?" Ellen knew that she would not be happy with her grandmother and will be tortured. This was like going from a frying pan to fire. What an irony that she is not allowed to stay with her teacher, where she is respected, but she is forced to go, where she is hated!.
Neglected by own family is the worst thing for a child to go through. Ellen suffered this neglect not only in shadow of her own father but also at her grandmother's house. As soon as she arrived at her grandmother's house, she was asked to go and work in the fields during hot summary days. Ellen was extremely afraid of her grandmother's cruel attitude. As Ellen states in this quote on page 68" Her power was the sucking kind that takes your good sense and leaves you limp like an old zombie." In this example of simile Ellen clearly stated her grandmother's malevolence. Misfortune never left Ellen alone.
Adversity may become a vicious thing to overcome. In this novel Ellen and her friend Starletta go through various hardships which eventually make them stronger. Ellen through her determination and constant search of loving home comes out as precocious person for her age and takes charge of her own life. Ellen eventually changes her attitude towards prejudice, leaves behind dysfunctional families and neglect and finds a loving new mama's house. .
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